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Britain

Britain
The latest breaking news and stories on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the world’s sixth largest economy. Also covering the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, as well as with China, plus commentary and updates on the UK’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
London
Head of State
King Charles III
King Charles III
Head of Government
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Photo: Shutterstock
Crime

600 artefacts stolen from Bristol’s British Empire collection in daring heist

Police seek four suspects over the theft of the artefacts that reveal Britain’s historical ties with former Empire nations.

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Lando Norris

WAG to watch? Meet F1 champion Lando Norris’ girlfriend, Margarida Corceiro

Indonesia

Porn star Bonnie Blue faces deportation, blacklisting from Bali

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Law

Legal Tales | Balancing rights and responsibilities: child custody in Hong Kong demystified

The true meaning of legal concepts such as custody and access is much misunderstood among laypeople in Hong Kong.

Kramer vs Kramer, starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, is a poignant 1979 tale about a custody battle over the couple’s son, played by Justin Henry. Photo: Columbia Pictures/Getty Images
Science

Oldest evidence of humans making fire discovered in UK, dating back 400,000 years

Scientists found an ancient fireplace in Suffolk, providing crucial evidence that humans mastered fire far earlier than previously believed.

Cancer

Sophie Kinsella, Shopaholic author, dies at 55 from brain cancer

The celebrated British author wrote over 30 books, and leaves behind a legacy of humour and relatability.

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Banking & finance

China’s sovereign fund reveals it opened London office after Trump win

China Investment Corporation opened its third offshore office in London in December 2024, joining outposts in Hong Kong and New York.

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The City of London financial district’s skyline, as seen from the Thames River. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | As UK-China ties warm, Hong Kong can be a natural bridge

China’s innovation and influence present exciting opportunities for both nations, and Hong Kong plays a unique role in this equation.

Social media

Editorial | Curbs on children’s social media use and screen time must strike a balance

The digital world is part of young people’s lives; there is a need to limit risks without depriving children of the benefits of being online.

China-UK relations

UK sanctions Russian and Chinese firms, warns of cyber threats, hybrid warfare

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says dangers range from disinformation campaigns to physical attacks and sabotage.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper speaks at an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Locarno Treaties in London on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Art

Autistic Scottish artist Nnena Kalu smashes Turner Prize ‘glass ceiling’

The Glaswegian is known for her large-scale abstract drawings and hanging sculptures.

Nnena Kalu (right) is announced as the winner of the Turner Prize in Bradford, England, on Tuesday. Photo: PA via AP
Ukraine war

Member of UK armed forces killed in Ukraine ‘accident’, Britain says

It marked the first time a member of the UK military had been killed in Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Fame and celebrity

Amy Winehouse’s dad sues star’s friends for selling her clothes for US$970,000

Two women say the British singer had lent or given them dozens of items before she died.

Donald Trump

Trump blasts ‘decaying’ and ‘weak’ Europe, pushes Ukraine on elections

US president doubles down on criticism of key allies over immigration and said that Russia has the ‘upper hand’ in the Ukraine war.

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US President Donald Trump speaks during an event at the White House on Monday. Photo: AFP
Science

China-born architect Wang Fei dies in suspected car crash in London

Tributes to the ‘distinguished architectural educator, scholar and curator’ from Syracuse University say he was killed on Monday.

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The China Academy of Art has confirmed that Wang Fei, who taught at Syracuse University in New York state, died on Monday. He was 45. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

Hong Kong financial hub gets gold star for governance, red flag on readiness

Hong Kong has been ranked the world’s No 4 financial hub in a new NYU Abu Dhabi index, but trails rivals on growth and innovation.

Scams and swindles

Letters | Cambodia is confronting the scourge of online scams head-on

Readers discuss the cross-border effort targeting the syndicates behind Cambodia’s scam farms, Malaysia’s first fully home-grown EV, and the investigation into the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong.

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Climate change

Opinion | How Hong Kong can distinguish itself as a climate finance hub

The city should lead by directing capital to projects that modernise grids, electrify transport and accelerate green supply chains.

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Hong Kong already ranks among the world’s leading financial centres and leads Asia in green and sustainable bond issuance. Photo: Sam Tsang
Ukraine war

European allies back Ukraine’s Zelensky after Trump criticism

Ukrainian president met leaders in London and Brussels, declaring that ceding territory to Russia - a central point of the US proposal - was impossible.

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United States

Rubio and Hegseth discuss Indo-Pacific security with Australian counterparts

At the talks, Rubio hailed cooperation between the US and Canberra on critical minerals, defence production and troop deployments.

TikTok

‘Follow me’: UK’s Starmer launches TikTok account despite security ban

Prime minister’s office insists ‘security mitigations’ are in place as he turns to the popular Chinese-owned app for greater outreach.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer taking part in a Q&A session last month on youth employment and the cost of living. Photo: Reuters
World Health Organization (WHO)

New mpox strain found in UK after travel to Asia

New recombinant mpox strain raises concerns over global spread and viral evolution.

A colorised electron micrograph shows green mpox particles within a pink and purple infected cell cultured in a lab. Photo: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/AFP
China-EU relations

Opinion | In reaching out to China, European states can’t keep acting alone

The idea of an autonomous bloc engaging Beijing from a position of strength and independence collapses when its toothless leaders visit.

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Nato

UK’s bold defence plans face doubt over funding as security challenges rise

Military chiefs worry the UK will have to scale back its defence ambitions amid concerns about what the country can afford.

Yvette Cooper

UK summit will ‘turn the tide’ on worldwide corruption, foreign secretary says

Yvette Cooper said the June summit would target cryptocurrency ‘exploited by people smugglers’ and illicit gold used to fund the Ukraine war.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. Photo: AP
Obituaries

Renowned British photographer Martin Parr dies at 73

The celebrated photographer documented everything from beach life to global consumerism across a decades-spanning career.

Martin Parr during a photo session in Paris on October 31, 2025. Photo: AFP
Aviation

UK police probe Heathrow pepper spray attack linked to suitcase robbery

Chaotic chain of events caused several hours of delays for passengers trying to get to and from the airport.

China-Germany relations

Why top German diplomat’s China trip aims to manage rivalry but won’t reset ties

Critical minerals and Ukraine war expected to be top priorities as Germany’s foreign minister travels to China.

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